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High Achievers Programme

A rewarding High Achievers Programme

The High Achievers Programme here at Aquinas College is a study programme designed to support our most able students to achieve their academic ambitions and make aspirational choices, whilst also encouraging a greater degree of cultural awareness and increasing levels of social engagement/activism.

Applicants who will be invited to join the scheme will have excellent entry qualifications, usually with a G-Score of 8 or above (which equates to a grade 8 average across their GCSE subjects).

The scheme is primarily designed to help students to excel in their studies here at Aquinas. It will also prepare them for life after Aquinas, helping them progress to the UK’s most prestigious universities, and will give them the skills necessary to build a successful and rewarding career.

We will offer opportunities to those who meet the criteria for other ‘widening participation’ schemes such as the Cambridge HE+ program and Nuffield Research Placements.

All of these offer alternatives to the EPQ in terms of research-based projects which can help with university applications and career development.

We have built a programme that is as interesting and wide-ranging as it can possibly be, whilst at the same time encouraging students to aspire to the best universities and then the most rewarding careers available.

  • Provide sessions focused on academic study skills and on developing transferable critical skills.
  • Encourage students to take an Extended Project Qualification (or equivalent) to complement students’ qualifications.
  • Prepare students for university entrance and for any applications, interviews, or entry tests/exams that may be required.
  • Broaden students’ cultural and academic horizons so that they have a wider appreciation of all that life has to offer with trips and visits to a variety of academic and cultural destinations.
  • Run rich and varied sessions – some led by influential academics, others involving group discussion and project management.
  • We will also be encouraging a greater degree of cultural awareness and increased levels of social engagement/activism.
  • Offer volunteering and charity opportunities which will be supported by the college Chaplain and outside agencies.
  • We want to support activism and campaigning opportunities, working alongside Aquinas Citizens and the Aquinas Student Union.
  • Encourage students to undertake work experience, placements or internships, in conjunction with the Careers team and departmental teams.
  • We have an excellent set of activities and resources that have been curated for you to access during your time on the programme.
News & Blog

Latest From Aquinas

Last night saw the presentation party for the latest, great issue of our student magazine. There was yet again a great selection of articles and stories, all written and designed by our fantastically, talented students.

Photograph of students who worked on the AQ Magazine

We are proud to announce the launch of our brand-new website! This platform marks an exciting step forward in our commitment to innovation and excellence. Designed to support academic success and enhance the student experience, our new website serves as a central hub for information, events, news, and resources related to life at Aquinas College.

Screenshot of the new website

I am thrilled for Aquinas students who have produced another outstanding set of results. Over 58% of A level results have been at the highest grades of A*, A or B, with a 99% pass rate. In addition, 70% of Vocational grades were at Distinction* or Distinction grades with a 100% pass rate. These amazing […]

Aquinas students celebrate their A level results

On Wednesday 19th June the media department took a group of students to visit the excellent facilities at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLAN)’s Media Factory. The students were given a tour of the facilities including a state of the art fully functioning TV studio.

Photograph of inside the Media Factory's TV studio control room.